Category Archives: Playstation

The Asus RT-N56U has been out for a little while now; it’s been proven to be quite a popular home consumer router as it comes with many features for a decent price (dual-band including N-band wireless and media streaming, for example).

As with most hardware products, there’s an occasional need to upgrade the firmware, to address bugs, security issues and/or introduce new features. Around 2013 ASUS introduced a completely new firmware for the router which removed features from the router – chiefly the media server. Instead these features had to be installed on an attached USB hard disk. Not only that but the latest version of the media server software ASUS supply (minidlna v1.0.33) has a bug which fails to index all content.

Media Server Fix 1 – Downgrade to 1.0.0.22

Simply follow these steps – version 1.0.0.33 has the issue mentioned. You’re basically doing a manual merge of file to over-write the media server. If you need a copy of the files, you can download from here.

If you’re like me, your media server install (and other router related files) is on the same drive as media you are streaming. But when you connect a second drive, you may find that you can see the drive using the file share (samba) or FTP but DLNA devices (like the PS3) don’t seem to see it. This appears to be because the second drive takes a few seconds to mount (or register – the router uses unix and this is how it handles hard disks) and so when the media server goes to look at what’s available, doesn’t see it.

Solution 1 – Web Interface

You can try to either disable and then re-enable the media server via the web interface:

the key part is sda1 refers to the first hard disk; sdb1 refers to the second; note they’re both mounted via /tmp/mnt

Type minidlna -f /opt/etc/minidlna.conf -R which will force the DLNA server to re-index.
For info, the “-f /opt” refers to the config file for miniDLNA and “-R” is the command to force a re-index

Now go to your routers miniDLNA status page – this should be http://<router-ip> :8200 – e.g. http://192.168.1.1:8200 – this will give you a count of the re-index process. Depending on the number of files, this could take a while!

And you’re done! Hopefully this helped take the mystery out of resolving this issue.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a known security issue with the router that has been resolved with the latest firmware – if you are using the ASUS cloud service that lets you access your files over the internet you need to update ASAP. See the ASUS files site for info.

Sony has marketed the hell out of the fact they were going to announce the PS4 details today (20 Feb). In reality what they released was vapourware – mainly because they never showed any unit, other than the controller and a bunch of carefully created videos and in-game sequences – nor did they announce the price. However here’s what seems to be clear and what it means for you.

Hardware

Basically it’s a powerful PC system on a single board; unless regular PCs where graphics cards and such are interchangeable, putting all the silicon on one board means that everything can communicate more optimally and therefore the “supercharged PC” claim. Just like any other console but unlike any other PC, that means no upgrades.

What this means for you: With a PC like specifications it means game ports between the two systems are easier and game developers can more easily push the system (the PS3 was notorious for being hard to program for). This is nothing new to the XBox, so this is more of a catch-up, albeit on steroids (AMRITE Lance Amstrong?)

System Features

There’s not been much shown so far to wow on the dashboard, but there was the ability to integrate social capability (facebook was mentioned). Not only that, but also the ability to stream your games with your friends through UStream, or let them take over your game to help you out of a tough level, or upload a short video of your gaming heroics.

The system apparently will also learn what games you prefer and be a TIVO-like device that downloads games based on your preferences. That could be annoying and pleasing a the same time!

Support for the Move (the magic wand Sony released for the PS3) continues.

What this means for you: Showboating game play is a bit of a gimmick for many gamers; It’s more of a feature than a benefit for many but there’s sure to be a niche use for it. For the casual gamer, it’s probably not something to be bothered with. Sony has decided to stick with physical objects to help with user detection – not sure this is the best option and Microsoft’s Kinect will probably continue to have the edge.

Integration

Stream games to the PSP Vita, Sony’s replacement for the PSP so you can keep on playing if the TV is being used – this is similar to the Wii U.

Additionally, Sony claims that the system will also integrate with tablets and phones. GIven they have their own range of said technology out there, you can expect this to be pushed (crossed promotion).

What this means for you: Integrating other devices has potential, but I think those devices will be a limited list. This could either be a unique selling point, or just another piece of show-off.

Games

The games shown looked great (except Krank, which had great intro graphics but the actual gameplay looked like today’s consoles). The hardware looks to have potential to push things, but the PC won’t be far behind.

There’s also the ability to download games – playing them before they finish downloading. Interesting to see how this pans out, given some games are many gigabytes.

What this means for you: Games are the core reason for consoles being around; having some A-Class titles and game studios onboard means that it will be one of the leading consoles – so long as games continue to be pushed out with quality.

Retro Gaming

Though not yet fully developed, Sony associates talked about being able to stream (not play natively), PS1, PS2 and PS3 games on multiple devices including the PS4.

What this means for you: If you loved an older game, this could be an amazingly handy feature – One game I want to replay is the PS2 “Getaway”

Media Centre

A casual mention of the usual integrations – Netflix, Hulu, etc. plus a Bluray drive, but no significant details.

What this means for you: Unsure – any modern console needs to be a media console too; While XBox can’t play Bluray and it’s UI is clunky for Media play, it’s still capable. PS3 systems are a little more boxed in, but the way to access media is good. To go beyond a games console and to penetrate the home, any modern day console has to be strong in this space.

Price and Release Date

Prices were undisclosed, but rumours put it between US$429 and US$529, which is very competitive. Release date is Christmas 2013.

Should I buy this console?

If you’re the person that has to have the latest iPhone regardless to say you have the latest iPhone then nothing I say here will change your mind.

However for the rest of us I think it’s worth holding out for Microsoft’s offering before deciding. Rumour of new XBox features include a tighter home media console effort, streaming games, inability to play second hand games (stupid move) and built-in and enhanced Kinect. It’s likely to match the PS4 tech specs.

My opinion is that the winner will be that console that has the better user experience, integration with other devices, is accessible for all ages, media savvy, supports the new types of displays (3D and 4K TVs) and of course has quality of games.